Native American Connections program renamed to Očéti Šakówiŋ Owáuŋspe (OSO)! The Native American Connections program, often referred to as ‘NAC’ is a program in the Sioux Falls School District that connects Native students with the culture, traditions, and heritage of the Oceti Sakowin. To center Indigenous language and culture in its programming, Native American Connections has collaboratively determined to rename its programs to Očéti Šakówiŋ Owáuŋspe or OSO. The program will continue to have OSO facilitators in all elementary buildings and offer OSO classes to Indigenous middle and high school students. In addition, OSO has renamed its Lakota language classes at the high school level which will now be titled Languages of the Oceti Sakowin. Our Languages of the Oceti Sakowin and Indigenous Studies courses are available to all high school students in the Sioux Falls School District. See more here: https://youtu.be/HdDc-JLLRCE
Project Search 2022! While it may not be a brand-new program, it is one that is having a huge impact on many Sioux Falls School District students! Project Search is an innovative, business led transition program for special education students ages 18-21 who have completed all high school requirements. The program is a partnership between the Sioux Falls School District, Dow Rummel Village, Department of Human Services, Transition Services Liaison Project, and Department of Labor and regulation. With the help of a classroom environment and Sioux Falls School District staff, students in the program learn and develop their employability skills. Students then apply those skills while participating in targeted internships at Dow Rummel, 5 days a week. The ultimate goal of Project Search is to find competitive employment for each intern upon completion of the program. The program’s strong partnerships are helping to develop the workforce of tomorrow, while gaining valuable interns and future employees along the way. To see more about Project Search, visit our YouTube page: https://youtu.be/5NsEybdUU94
Thank you, School Bus Drivers!
February 22nd is National School Bus Driver Appreciation Day! Our School Bus drivers have been through a lot this past year. From picking up extra routes due to driver shortages to having to pivot on a dime almost daily. We cannot emphasize their importance enough. Please help us say thank you to our bus drivers not just today, but every day!
No School February 21-22!
Don’t forget, President’s Day Break is Monday, February 21st through Tuesday, February 22nd. There will be NO school these days. See you on Wednesday, February 23rd!
HELP WANTED! On March 24th we are in need of two parents from each classroom to help with make-up for students. If you are willing to help, please email Nicole Steele (steelesnichole2321@gmail.com). She will provide you with the details!
PARENTS MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN SO MANY WAYS! The lunchroom is just one of those ways. Thank you to each of you who willingly step up to dump our trays. As my grandpa used to say, "I won't charge you anything for the experience."
